Gay rights activist pleads not guilty

Prominent Zambian gay rights activist Paul Kasonkomona yesterday pleaded not guilty to charges of promoting homosexuality, after appearing live on TV to argue for his cause. The activist was arrested in Lusaka on Sunday, minutes after he appeared on a live TV show where he openly advocated for gay rights. Homosexuality is outlawed in Zambia, as in most African countries, and discrimination against gays and lesbians is rife. Mr Kasonkomona’s arrest has outraged human rights groups, which have called for his immediate release. Anneke Meerkotter, a lawyer at the Southern African Litigation Centre, urged the Zambian police to withdraw “the spurious charge against Paul Kasonkomona and release him from custody” immediately.